Eight Things to Remember for SXSW 2010

Janelle Monae crowdsurfs at Stubb's during SXSW 2009. Photo by Rachael Maddux.

Updated: March 14, 2010

Dear Past Self,

Thank you for battling the sweet allure of sleep in your own bed to write me this note last year. I've got the shoe situation under control (Keds power, activate!) but may well have otherwise forgotten what my favorite burger was at Hut's. I think I am even going to republish the list so that the rest of the internet can benefit from your foresight.

Oh, by the way, the rest of 2010 is kinda going to suck, but you'll live!

Hugs & kisses,
Your Past Self

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Dear Future Self,

Remember last year when it was 2 AM and you'd just returned from SXSW 2009 and you were sitting at home while thousands of other people were still rocking out in Austin, most of them just happy that Kanye decided to show up this time? You were a little sad that you would miss the last night but once you were home in your own bed and there wasn't some shitty MySpace band playing at the bar next door at such a volume that your hotel room's crown molding was trembling, you were actually pretty happy about it. Your trip was fun, but despite having overcome the learning curve of your first year, you still picked up a few more lessons that you would like not to forget before SXSW 2010, should you be so lucky to attend. Barring a complete economic meltdown and dissolution of the music and/or BBQ industries, here are some things to remember.

Have fun,
Your Past Self
 

No really, don't wear new shoes.
And don't wear old shoes if they're not comfortable. Hopefully you went to buy some good tennis shoes after you wrote this so that they're all nice and perfectly broken in by next year. Please don't make this mistake three years running.

Sunscreen is a good thing.
And sunburn is bad. And lanyard tans are not sexy.

Go to a show at Central Presbyterian Church already.
The sound is beautiful and, though your desire to do this will be considerably lessened by your very comfortable and supportive shoes, there are places to sit down.

Get off of Sixth Street more often.
Remember, Nobunny's show at Scoot Inn was creepy as all get out but not nearly as horrific as the Captain Morgan mascot and his booty-shaking entourage and their God-awful, Fall Out Boy-blasting boom box.

Actually pick up your Fader Fort wristband.
Stand in that needlessly long line, peruse the overpriced denim, snag some free beer and ride the unicorns with Zach Condon or whatever else they have going on in there.

Continue to enjoy not having wasted your money on an iPhone...
If AT&T gets their on-site network under control, and if someone develops an app that will allow you to nap and see bands at the same time, you will consider remorse. Consider.

Hope the pedestrian bridge hasn't been deemed too pedestrian...
...and go to a secret show there.

Go to Hut's again, and get Mel's No. 2 again.
Best. Burger. Ever.